PRESBYTERY OF CHRISTCHURCH.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1740, 17 September 1879, Page 3

PRESBYTERY OF CHRISTCHURCH.

The ordinary meeting of the Presbytery of Christchurch was held on Thursday, 11th September, in St. Andrew’s Church schoolroom, Christchurch. . , , „ The Rev. Mr Elmslie intimated that five acres of land were provided at the Rakaia, from the Acton estate, for church and manse site, and that Mr Mann had begifted a site for a church at Methven. The Revs. Messrs Beattie and Elmslie were appointed to arrange the services of the Revs. Mr Westbrooks and Mr Taylor, for the Rakaia district, Oxford Forest, and Mount Somers. The Rev. Mr Fraser read the report of the Kaiapoi and Rangiora deputation, and moved —“ That it be approved, that the committee bo continued, and that Messrs D. Craig and R. Sutherland be appointed assessors to aid in carrying out the financial arrangements,” which was agreed to. The Rev. Mr Fraser reported that the Halkett and Kimberley congregations desired Mr Burnett to continue his services among thorn. . _ The Clerk read report of deputation to St. Andrew’s Church, and proposed that it be approved, which was seconded and agreed to, Mr Fraser intimating that the financial committee had resolved to form at once a building fund for the erection of the now church. He said this resolution was all the more agreeable to him as it was entirely spontaneous on their part, and was unanimously adopted. The Moderator of Sefton laid the papers relative to the position of Sefton district on the table, and declined to hold the office any longer. Mr Elmslie moved—" That Mr McGregor retain his moderatorship, and that a deputation from the Presbytery act along with him and confer with the people. The deputation to consist of the Revs. Messrs Fraser and Elmslie (convener).” Mr Fraser seconded. Agreed to. The Rev, Mr Hill, convener of church extension committee, raported that they had appointed Mr Kessick lay evangelist to the Peninsula, and Mr Taylor student evangelist to the Ashburton district, Mr Douglas reported that Mr Kessick was doing his work with much acceptance, and at the end of another month he would be able to send a report of the services arranged to be conducted by him. Mr Fraser moved “That the report of Mr Kessiok’s work be approved, and that the branch of Local Church Extension Committee be applied to for funds for another month.” Mr Horner seconded and it was agreed to. The Moderator asked the brethren if the collections appointed by the General Assembly had been taken up in their several congregations. The Assembly expenses were fixed, and the congregations were rated as follows: —St. Andrew’s £7, St. Paul’s £7, Lyttelton £4, Leeston £4, Ashburton £3, Akaroa £2, Prebbleton £2, Sefton £2, Kaiapoi £2, Malvern £2, Sydenham £2, Waiau £1 10s, Papanui £l, Rakaia £l, Halkett £l, Cust £l. jjgjlt was moved by Mr Fraser, that the treasurer write the congregations that have not paid Presbyterial expenses for last year. Mr Fraser drew the attention of the Presbytery to the law regarding ministers’ travelling expenses to inductions, &0., being paid by the congregation where the induction or meeting takes place. Mr Blake’s certificate from Dunedin Presbytery was read and received. Mr Douglas called attention to the great necessity of looking after the interests of the Sabbath schools.

The meeting was closed with the Benediction.